help identify large caterpiller (uk)

[Martin Hough]

Almost certainly Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor). Do you have
Fuchsia, Rosebay willowherb or Balsam nearby?



Ilweran wrote in message
<1998082121493300.RAA29922 at ladder03.news.aol.com>...
>the caterpiller is about one and a half inches long.It has two eye spots on
>each side  just behind what I would say was its head. It has a spur on its
back
>end. Colour wise its sort of black with creamy, mottled markings, almost
like a
>snake.
>
>